Ethiopia’s Dominance at the 2024 Berlin Marathon: Mengesha and Ketema Claim Victories
Ethiopian athletes dominated the 2024 Berlin Marathon, with Milkesa Mengesha winning the men’s race in 2:03:17 and Tigist Ketema securing the women’s title with a time of 2:16:42. Mengesha’s final sprint led to a close contest against Cybrian Kotut, while Ketema maintained a commanding lead throughout the women’s event. The marathon, celebrating its 50th edition, showcased the exceptional talent of long-distance runners from Ethiopia.
The 2024 Berlin Marathon witnessed remarkable performances from Ethiopian athletes as Milkesa Mengesha and Tigist Ketema clinched the men’s and women’s titles, respectively, on September 29. Mengesha secured victory in an impressive time of 2:03:17, while Ketema emerged victorious in the women’s division with a remarkable solo run, completing the race in 2:16:42. During the men’s elite race, Mengesha and Kenya’s Cybrian Kotut entered the final kilometers nearly neck and neck, displaying remarkable endurance and tactical prowess. Mengesha accelerated strategically, ultimately leading him to triumph beneath the Brandenburg Gate. Kotut finished in second place at 2:03:22, followed closely by Ethiopia’s Haymanot Alew in 2:03:31. The race began at a frenetic pace, with a leading group of 20 athletes, yet as the distance increased, the field narrowed significantly. Notably, Tadese Takele, a pre-race favorite, was unable to maintain his position and withdrew from contention, leaving Mengesha and his competitors to battle it out in the final stretch. On the women’s side, Tigist Ketema established a commanding lead early on, with Azmeru Gebru trailing her. Ketema’s consistent and aggressive strategy enabled her to extend her advantage significantly. By the halfway mark, she recorded a time of 67:53 and continued to dominate the race without challenge, ultimately securing her victory with the third-fastest winning time in the event’s history. Mestawot Fikir from Ethiopia finished in second place with a time of 2:18:48, while Bosena Mulatie claimed third in 2:19:00. The 50th edition of the Berlin Marathon highlighted the exceptional skills and endurance of Ethiopian long-distance runners, reinforcing their dominance in international marathon events.
The Berlin Marathon is renowned globally for its flat course and fast times, attracting elite athletes aiming to set personal records and world achievements. This year marked the 50th anniversary of the marathon, underscoring its significance in the running community. Ethiopian runners have a remarkable history of success in this event, with both men and women consistently performing at the highest levels. The race unfolds in the context of growing international competition among distance runners, with teams and individuals eager to establish their legacies and achieve world-class times.
The performances of Milkesa Mengesha and Tigist Ketema at the 2024 Berlin Marathon exemplify the excellence and competitive spirit of Ethiopian athletes in long-distance running. Their victories not only contribute to their personal legacies but also highlight Ethiopia’s prominent status in the marathon scene. As the event celebrates its 50th anniversary, the results reaffirm the marathon’s status as a premier occasion for elite runners from around the globe.
Original Source: olympics.com
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